Staff

Amanda Butler – English Teacher

Amanda Butler graduated from Slippery Rock University in 2011 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Secondary Education: English Grades 7-12. She has been employed with MACS since 2012-2013 school year. Her academic and skills focus is on writing, editing, organization, and planning. Mrs. Butler teaches English and is a lead staff of the MACS I-Own Entrepreneur Program at MACS. She also coaches middle school cheer/dance team, mentors MACS Student Government council and demonstrates leadership and support for various committees pertaining to MACS events and activities.

Caranina Koloshinsky – Science Teacher

Caranina Koloshinsky received my Bachelors of Science at Franciscan University of Steubenville and my Masters in Science from Walden University. She is good at planning and coordinating events and partnerships. She enjoys spending time with my family and friends, reading, learning new things and going for walks.

Carla Knight – Project Based Learning Facilitator

Carla Knight is embarking on her first year as the Project Based Learning Facilitator at MACS Jr. High. Carla received her Bachelor of Art Degree in Communications from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as a concentration certificate in Corporate and Community Relations. Carla Joins us from Enteprenuering Youth, an organization that encouraged youth to develop the skills to create and sustain their own off their abilities within the law. She also worked at Pittsburgh Public Schools as a Program Manager for the Gaining Equity through Mathematics (G.E.M.), a program which nurtured the interests of young ladies in STEM based programs.

When she’s not teaching, Mrs. Knight enjoys reading and volunteering for community programs.

Dennis I. Henderson Jr. – Educational Director

Dennis Henderson is a renown innovator in education and advocate for social justice. As a lead educator at Manchester Academic Charter School for the past 15 years, Mr. Henderson has collaborated with various individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the region to develop numerous successful programs with a focus on law related education, entrepreneurship, restorative justice and environmental sustainability.

His work with youth and community engagement has gained him local and national recognition. As a educator Mr. Henderson was honored among 25 of the top educators internationally as a Visa NFTE Global Educator Award Recipient.

Matt Nichols – History & Social Studies Teacher

Matthew Nichols is currently furthering his education at Point Park University. This being his first year teaching at Manchester Academic Charter School, becoming a teacher was a natural fit because he previously worked mentoring youth for the last five years in various ways at Sarah Heinz House Boys & Girls Club. Mr Nichols enjoys teaching Socials Studies, it allows him to see the unfolding of history and current events in front of the eyes of the students. Along with teaching History and Social Studies Mr. Nichols also facilitates the Media Lab elective, and the Cooking Club.

When he is not teaching Mr. Nichols enjoys reading and spending time with his family.

Matthew Wagner – Learning Support

Matt Wagner graduated from Baldwin High School and received his Bachelor’s degree from Westminster College in Elementary and Special Education. He is also certified to teach middle school mathematics. Matt is currently enrolled at Edinboro University, pursuing his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.Mr. Wagner believes in differentiating instruction to benefit the learning of students in creative ways. He is a Pittsburgh sports fan who also coaches youth soccer in his time away from MACS. He also enjoys music, as he plays the piano and guitar.

Jeffrey Zlatos – Math Teacher

Jeffrey Zlatos (aka. “Mr. Z”) graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School in Pittsburgh and received his Bachelor’s degree from Penn State in Secondary Education, with a minor in Mathematics.Mr. Zlatos also serves as the Math Counts coach, which provides an opportunity for math enthusiast of all ability levels to strengthen their math and problem solving skills while preparing them for local competitions. Mr. Z believes in creating personal connections with students and making examples relevant to their lives. Mr. Z classroom is an atmosphere where mistakes are welcomed, perseverance is applauded and students are encouraged to learn.